Inflatable animals are great—if you don't mind inhaling the vaguely carcinogenic whiff of freshly processed plastic as you re-inflate your chosen shape five minutes. These ceramic dinosaur sculptures by Brett Kern and Justin Rothshank might be perfect for young-at-heart decorators. At very least, they're probably better for your health.

Much like Jeff Koons' balloon animal art, Kern and Rothshank's cartoonish dinos are sculptural versions of the novelties we so coveted as kids. Where Koons deals in finish-fetish stainless steel, these tabletop 'saurs are metaphorical mirrors of our childhood dreams, ephemeral mylar fossilized, in a manner of speaking, as ceramic.

From the pinched, curved corners along the dinosaurs' heads and legs to the way the light rounds itself over the animals' backs and bellies, the sculptures are convincingly balloon-like until you examine them up close and personal. Meanwhile, floral and faux-screenprinted graphics replace the goofy inflatable facial characteristics you may be more familiar with, making this line a perfect conversation starter for toy enthusiasts.

Each sculpture comes with a collectable "playing card" that's numbered and signed. Considering how exclusive they are, it would probably be best to prevent their extinction at the hands of an overeager child.

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Erika is the editorial assistant at Core77. When she isn't covering design, you can find her writing about music, food, and healthy living habits. But mostly music. She also has a strong affinity for hedgehogs, bowling, and bands with goofy names.

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